PTO Generator Question

[buickanddeere]

Capacitive load, inductive load, resistive load, VARs...

No, we do not have to go there for portable or PTO generators.:confused2:

yes we do because the generator will be tripping the breaker

 

[buickanddeere]

One of my requirements was that my wife would be able to engage our backup power if I were not at home. Our system doesn't have automatic cut-over, but the manual sequence is pretty simple.

Our backup power is via a 7.5kW diesel genset (old Onan DKD with modern VR). It is enough to run all the electrics that we use: but the understanding is that we are in "emergency" mode and therefore need to be mindful of not trying to run everything (like vacuums and hair dryers at the same time as all normal stuff is running). We're back-feeding the main (with lockout), so all possible electrics are served (house; well house; garage; two sheds). Computer gear runs off of/through UPSes, so no downtime when switching power.

Interlocking lockout that makes a connection to the utility grid impossible ?

 

[shooterdon]

Interlocking lockout that makes a connection to the utility grid impossible ?

Yes. Cheap and easy to install and in most areas a requirement to safeguard line crews from back feed.

 

[CobyRupert]

Volt-Amps (VA), Watts, Vars:

Only watts do the real work.

Volt-Amps is the beer mug, Watts are the beer, Vars are the foam.

Sometime you need a 16 oz mug to drink a 12 oz beer.
Power factor would be 0.75.

 

[TerryR]

Volt-Amps is the beer mug, Watts are the beer, Vars are the foam.

Sometime you need a 16 oz mug to drink a 12 oz beer.
Power factor would be 0.75.

Great illustration! :drink:

I studied this stuff a bit half a century ago in college and never really grasped issue this clearly.

 

[Hunter29]

I chose an Efergy Elite which I think may be discontinued. I wanted it on account of the operating frequency I think. UHF. It's plug and play, and will give you all manner of cost information and useage of your power but I only use it to monitor Generator Loads. It also has a highly usefull ALARM if a certain level is reached. There are others available. I also like it because it works the 200 feet from garage (service entrance) to concrete house, without issues. The Receiver is battery operated, handy for waling around or uses an adapter. The LAST thing I want to fart around with in an outage is WIFI or EIthernet connected stuff.

Thanks for the reply, checked them out, all I want is something that will read each leg in current draw and give it to me in amps.. I cannot find anything that will do it in amps...

Other than a good old wired amp meter..

 

[snymat68]

Thanks for the reply, checked them out, all I want is something that will read each leg in current draw and give it to me in amps.. I cannot find anything that will do it in amps...

Other than a good old wired amp meter..

Why not buy a wattmeter and make new labels? V=IR

https://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Con...ocphy=9005888&hvtargid=pla-306077433563&psc=1

 

[Hunter29]

Why not buy a wattmeter and make new labels? V=IR

https://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Con...ocphy=9005888&hvtargid=pla-306077433563&psc=1

Because I want something in the house , would like wireless so I don't have to run wires and have a permanent place.

Otherwise I have this in my shop.

 

[Industrial Toys]

What the heck is that tape reel just out of the picture???

 

[Hunter29]

What the heck is that tape reel just out of the picture???

One inch video tape..